For most products, CE or UKCA marking is enough to place them on the Great Britain market (England, Scotland and Wales) – CE is recognised with no set end date. In Northern Ireland EU rules apply, and some sectors, such as medical devices, have separate rules.
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Is CE marking enough in Great Britain?
Yes, for most products. Under the Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment) Regulations 2024, the UK continues to recognise the CE marking for the Great Britain market – alongside or in place of UKCA – for most products covered by Department for Business and Trade (DBT) regulations, with no set end date. Businesses can therefore choose which conformity assessment route to use (GOV.UK: Placing UKCA or CE marked products on the market in Great Britain).
Where different rules apply
Different rules apply in specific sectors, such as medical devices, construction products and marine equipment. For construction products, designated standards are mandatory under the Construction Products Regulations 2013, and medical devices have a separate regime with their own transition periods. For those sectors, check the current guidance from the relevant departments.
The UKCA mark
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark is used for products placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). The UKCA regime has been in place since 1 January 2021. The UKCA mark may be placed on the product and, according to GOV.UK, until the end of 31 December 2027 also on a label or accompanying document. For the requirements for specific product groups, check the GOV.UK guidance. For more on certification, see UKCA explained and does your product need UKCA.
Northern Ireland
For products placed on the market in Northern Ireland, the UKCA marking cannot be used on its own. Instead, the CE marking applies (in certain cases CE together with UKNI). According to GOV.UK, qualifying Northern Ireland products can be placed on the Great Britain market on the basis of CE or CE and UKNI marking.
What this means for Polish exporters
Marking is only part of the formalities – the goods still have to go through export and import clearance. See the export document checklist, and if you are not sure how to mark your product, get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
Is CE marking enough in the United Kingdom?
For most products covered by DBT regulations, yes. Great Britain recognises CE on the British market alongside or in place of UKCA, with no set end date. Exceptions apply in sectors with separate rules, such as medical devices.
When do you need UKCA instead of CE?
You use UKCA when you choose the UK conformity assessment route for the Great Britain market, or when CE is not recognised for your product group. This depends on the rules for the specific product, so check the GOV.UK guidance.
What marking applies in Northern Ireland?
In Northern Ireland the UKCA mark cannot be used on its own – the CE marking applies and, in certain cases, CE together with UKNI.
Where should the UKCA mark be placed?
The UKCA mark may be placed on the product and, according to GOV.UK, until the end of 31 December 2027 also on a label or accompanying documents. For the details for your product group, see the GOV.UK guidance.
Do medical and construction products follow the same rules?
No. Medical devices, construction products and marine equipment have separate regimes, with their own requirements and transition periods. Check the current guidance from the relevant departments.
Related guides
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